I just went to the dealership near my home, and put a deposit down on a VOLT! The sales manager called upstairs to the owner, after taking my money, and told him they had just sold a volt.

The owner was choked, because now I am first, and he is second!!!!!

I am not kidding!!!!!!!!!

Brian

I am the first one to buy a pre-sale on the Volt, at my dealership. The owner usually reserves the "first one" for himself, but he didn't think anyone would be putting down cash, 24 months in advance, so he hadn't told his sales staff yet.

He is honoring my pre-sale position. #1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian

Dude. I hope it works out for you, and that you are pleased.

For myself, I will let others (such as you) reap the glory :D and pain :mad: of having the first run of vehicles. I'll review the product at my leisure, wait for the first inevitable bugs to be worked out, and then decide if it meets my requirements, and purchase accordingly. :cool:

How much did you have to put down?

I'd gladly put money down on one if I knew the final price. I'd also like to wait till after the election so I can factor in each candidates proposed ZEV tax rebate.

there's something about being first

yeah, like the early scene in Saving Private Ryan when the front gang plank lowers in the Higgins boat on Omaha Beach....... :rolleyes:

How exciting, Brian!

I, too, would be interested in knowing how much ernest money you offered your dealership, if you wouldn't mind sharing.
Thanks!

How much did you have to put down?

I'd gladly put money down on one if I knew the final price. I'd also like to wait till after the election so I can factor in each candidates proposed ZEV tax rebate.

Don't forget - you'll also need to factor in how much of your own money each candidate is planning on ripping out of your hands, first . . . It doesn't matter if you get a $2,000 rebate or a $10,000 rebate if you can't afford the balance of the car's cost.

I won't be able to afford a Volt, so I'll sit back and watch. ;)

Don't forget - you'll also need to factor in how much of your own money each candidate is planning on ripping out of your hands, first . . . It doesn't matter if you get a $2,000 rebate or a $10,000 rebate if you can't afford the balance of the car's cost.

Very true. That's why I'm hesitant to put any money down till I see how things shake out.

By late 2010 we will certainly have a new president AND will have had enough time for a new tax bill to not only have been signed into law but also have started taking effect.

People often forget that a candidate's campaign promises don't automatically become law the day they take office. They have to be submitted to congress, passed, signed and even then they often don't kick in until the next calendar year because we don't want to change the tax rules in the middle of a year.

So whoever gets in in 2008, takes office in 2009 and best case scenario will have their tax plan implemented starting in 2010. At that point I will feel more comfortable about whether I can afford the car.

how much did you have to put down and what city was this in?

For myself, I will let others (such as you) reap the glory :D and pain :mad: of having the first run of vehicles. I'll review the product at my leisure, wait for the first inevitable bugs to be worked out, and then decide if it meets my requirements, and purchase accordingly. :cool:That's a shameful response to someone who's obviously very excited to be putting a Volt in his/her driveway.I mean you joined this forum because you're "jazzed" about the prospect of the Volt didn't you? This country is so full of "wait & see" people these days.. it's sad. (yes, I'm sure we'll hear how you or someone you know were burned by purchasing a 1st year production car...yada... yada... boring!!) If everyone had the same attitude as you, the Volt will be dead after a single year of production!!

"Who Killed The Electric Car?" People like YOU!!
JMO
WopOnTour

PS> Congrats to the OP of this thread.
We should all be humbled and impressed by your initiative to assure yourself a place in history as a pioneer in the ownership of a revolutionary vehicle that will help garner us all into a future of electric powered transportation with reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
Way to go! (FYI- I've done the exact same thing LOL)

Well

I called a year ago and they wanted $3000.00 down, was not sure if it was going to happen back then , wish I had done it. The sales guy on the floor did the same thing, he had to call me back.

We could put a end to alot of situations if all of us had one to just to drive back and forth to work, no smog in LA, Washinton D.C. etc. and more funds to have have more fun with and the end of the month.

That's a shameful response to someone who's obviously very excited to be putting a Volt in his/her driveway.I mean you joined this forum because you're "jazzed" about the prospect of the Volt didn't you? This country is so full of "wait & see" people these days.. it's sad. (yes, I'm sure we'll hear how you or someone you know were burned by purchasing a 1st year production car...yada... yada... boring!!) If everyone had the same attitude as you, the Volt will be dead after a single year of production!!

"Who Killed The Electric Car?" People like YOU!!
JMO
WopOnTour


Excuse me for being a design engineer who has a high degree of pragmatism in his "wiring". I see how products are introduced nowadays - which is why I will wait a bit, thank you! I learned very early that, while it's good to learn from my mistakes, it was even better to learn from the mistakes of others. Why should I be ashamed for being discriminating in my choices?

I am "jazzed" about the Volt, and what it means for the automotive marketplace and energy technology in general. However, I understand that this is a major departure from normal autmotive technology. Whenever you have changes like this, problems and issues invariably follow.

Thank God for early adopters who base their decisions primarily upon their emotions. I (and others like me) will benefit from their investment and experiences.

I put down $200.00 and was given first spot, with the understanding that I would put $200.00 down until I had given them a total of $2000 deposit. Also on the purchase agreement I agreed to pay no more than $40,000.00.

Flag Chevrolet, Surrey, B.C. Canada.

Excuse me for being a design engineer who has a high degree of pragmatism in his "wiring". I see how products are introduced nowadays - which is why I will wait a bit, thank you! I learned very early that, while it's good to learn from my mistakes, it was even better to learn from the mistakes of others. Why should I be ashamed for being discriminating in my choices?

I am "jazzed" about the Volt, and what it means for the automotive marketplace and energy technology in general. However, I understand that this is a major departure from normal autmotive technology. Whenever you have changes like this, problems and issues invariably follow.

Thank God for early adopters who base their decisions primarily upon their emotions. I (and others like me) will benefit from their investment and experiences.A typical "I'm smarter than you" response, not entirely unexpected. Did you think mentioning the fact that you're a "design engineer" should make any difference or that it should somehow justify your "angle" here?

Who said anything about emotional buying decisions. I'm talking about environmental responsibility, energy accountability and the willingness to accept some potential inconvenience, and yes possibly sacrificing a bit of personal time and perhaps even extra $$ to assist in refining the technology in the field for the betterment of all...
as opposed to self-serving, hypocritical people with "let the other guy break the trail" attitudes
Sit back smart guy, don't worry, we'll get it...
WopOnTour

Ah, I can see that you have disdain for views that differ from your own. That's fine. Do what you need to do. Save the planet and all, and most importantly, you can bask in your feelings of self-righteousness and superiority while doing so. Throw in a dash of martyrdom for good measure . . .

I mention the "design engineer" to provide explanatory background for the nature of my decision. Typically, an engineer is known for his attention to detail, and carefully considering all points before making a decision. Does that make me "smarter than you"? I didn't think so, but you must feel some kind of exposure in that department since you took such a snide tack in your response. Sorry if I struck a nerve.

There WILL be a certain group of people who simply have to be the first ones to have the new "thing" - for a variety of reasons. That's fine - good for all concerned. I'm not denigrating them, so why attack me for my position on the subject?

Just because someone has a different viewpoint than yours doesn't make it wrong.

Ah, I can see that you have disdain for views that differ from your own.Not at all, I have only disdain for those that create or propagate disdain toward those who might desire to "as soon as humanly possible" purchase a product that could have a real and measurable environmental impact. We're not talking about lining up to to be the first to own an iPhone here.
That's fine. Do what you need to do.Save the planet and all, Thanks, I/we plan to. You're either part of the solution or part of the problem.
and most importantly, you can bask in your feelings of self-righteousness and superiority while doing so. Throw in a dash of martyrdom for good measure . . . well I don't know if I would go quite THAT far... exactly how many virgins will be there be again?? ;) Seriously, my real concern is for my grand-kids and their grand-kids, my own feelings of self-righteous superiority have little to do with it.

I mention the "design engineer" to provide explanatory background for the nature of my decision. Typically, an engineer is known for his attention to detail, and carefully considering all points before making a decision. Does that make me "smarter than you"? I didn't think so, Point taken.I personally know, work, associate, and socialize with many dozens of engineers of all disciplines and I understand what you are saying, it's difficult to "turn it off" sometimes- even if you wanted to.Said the scorpion to the frog as they both perished into the murky depths "It's my nature" But IMHO the issue of environmental responsibility must transcend race, religion, education, employment, whatever your place in society- It's everyone's issue.
but you must feel some kind of exposure in that department since you took such a snide tack in your response. Sorry if I struck a nerve.Exposed? Not in the least. I wasn't really trying to be snide but in my book you reap what you sow... so if snide beget snide then I guess I deserved that comment.However my nerve-endings accept your apology!
There WILL be a certain group of people who simply have to be the first ones to have the new "thing" - for a variety of reasons. That's fine - good for all concerned. Again I'll agree but IMO you're making some broad assessments about the motives for someone posting they've managed to make a deposit deal on a Volt with their local Chevy dealer (despite the fact there's not even an official way to put one on hold at this time) It just might NOT be an "I was first" thing as you've assumed. But instead promoting the very real possibility of getting some sort accelerated corporate activity though an agreement (verbal, contractual or otherwise) with a local Chevy dealer. Some people might just do this, and not just to get to the front of the line to own a Volt but preferably for honorable and sincere reasons, without creating some sort of vanity in ownership or expectations of martyrdom, however idealistic. Being the only Volt on you block would be the last thing an environmentalist should desire.

I've been in the automotive industry in various capacities for well over 30 years and trust me dealers DO directly communicate the volume of local product interest they deem as "serious" to Corp during various regular round-table discussions. And IME nothing conveys "serious" to a dealer better than cold hard cash! In fact this historically has proven to have a much greater impact on driving development and potential "burner selection" than some on-line poll at an enthusiast web-site or anymodel.com forums.

So my original intent in this thread was to promote such activity, should you have the means and the fortitude.
I'm not denigrating them, so why attack me for my position on the subject? This is where you lost me. IMO that's exactly what you were doing. deg... dengr... denigy... ahh crap, basically "belittling" someone that would be so stupid as to purchase a 1st run production vehicle while bragging how you shall reap the benefits of their ignorance. How did you put it exactly?
"For myself, I will let others (such as you) reap the glory and pain of having the first run of vehicles. I'll review the product at my leisure, wait for the first inevitable bugs to be worked out, and then decide if it meets my requirements, and purchase accordingly."
AND
"Thank God for early adopters who base their decisions primarily upon their emotions. I (and others like me) will benefit from their investment and experiences."
Right or wrong I took exception to those statements.
Maybe I read more into your statements than you had intended, but I took it as YOU personally are in no hurry what-so-ever to purchase or own a 2010 Volt, and based on your comments, simply plan to chastise those who ARE. I guess I was wrong, so I'll apologize for my initial attack and subsequent counter-attack.
:)

Just because someone has a different viewpoint than yours doesn't make it wrong. Agreed!

Peace
WopOnTour

Congratulations to the original thread starter! I too gave my friend (who owns a Chevy and Pontiac/Buick/GMC dealership) a $500 deposit to ensure that the first Volt he can get will be mine. For me its not about being the first to have one, but rather to be the first of many who can give the oil companies the one finger salute as we drive past their gas stations.

Maybe I read more into your statements than you had intended, but I took it as YOU personally are in no hurry what-so-ever to purchase or own a 2010 Volt, and based on your comments, simply plan to chastise those who ARE. I guess I was wrong, so I'll apologize for my initial attack and subsequent counter-attack.
:)
Agreed!

Peace
WopOnTour

Aww. . . I was looking forward to a flame war, and now you've spoiled it with a well-reasoned and detailed response ;)

I have a friend who is an early adopter - of everything, especially electronic gadgets. He loves having the latest and greatest things, but he has more trouble and hassle in his life as a result. I did an early-adoption on a vehicle once in my younger days, and regretted the experience - I had problem after problem with that car. At this point in my life I am more conservative, only buying what I perceive as adding true value to my life. Having a troublesome vehicle would NOT add value!

I saw a post in this forum from a guy who took his name off of the "list" because he didn't like the looks of the production Volt. In my thinking, that seems to be an emotionally-based decision. Does that make his decision "bad"? Not at all - especially not for him. Why should he be stuck with a car that he hates? I don't understand why the looks of the car matter so much to someone, when it has so much else going for it. Do you consider his decision "shameful"?

I would love it if the Volt has been "done right", and comes out as close to flawless as possible. I would really like to reduce or eliminate our nation's dependence on foreign oil - I hate that we send money to countries that don't like us. It is also good that moving away from oil-based fuels will help the environment.

I want to like the Volt. I have been talking about it to my wife until she is tired of the subject. I hope the Volt meets all of my needs, but until I get to see one in person, sit in one, and drive one, I won't be able to make that assessment. I am a large guy, 6' 3" and built like a linebacker - at the very least, I simply have to FIT into the car, or it's a no-go. I must admit that I can't understand how someone could go so far as to put down a cash advance when he hasn't even seen the car in person. Maybe those people haven't found their heads hitting the ceiling in some of the smaller cars, like I have.

With so many people who have already signed up on the waiting list, or put down cash advances, there is no way I'd even be able to get one of the early Volts. Disapprove of my "wait and see" attitude if you must, but it's not like I have any choice in the matter anyway.

[/flamethrower] :)

A typical "I'm smarter than you" response, not entirely unexpected. Did you think mentioning the fact that you're a "design engineer" should make any difference or that it should somehow justify your "angle" here?

Who said anything about emotional buying decisions. I'm talking about environmental responsibility, energy accountability and the willingness to accept some potential inconvenience, and yes possibly sacrificing a bit of personal time and perhaps even extra $$ to assist in refining the technology in the field for the betterment of all...
as opposed to self-serving, hypocritical people with "let the other guy break the trail" attitudes
Sit back smart guy, don't worry, we'll get it...
WopOnTour

It's called economics. We each evaluate purchases in our own way... some people are high on the "gotta have it, buy it NOW!" scale, others tend to wait-and-see, look for a bargain, buy used or skip it altogether.

I'm afraid you ARE talking about an emotional purchase decision at this point... the sound-reasoning approach on the save-the-planet front also takes into account the current vehicle. Granted, someone could POSSIBLY be driving a '92 Suburban and putting down their earnest money to get in line for a someday Volt, but that's not the likely scenario. I have an '05 Subaru, reasonably low miles, impeccably well-maintained, and I don't drive a lot of miles these days. Barring a traffic accident, my Legacy will just be hitting its stride in '10, with the likelihood of several more years of low-maintenance motoring. It would frankly be a poor decision from an environmental AND economic standpoint for me to do the "gotta have it" thing.

I'm worse than an engineer... I have training in engineering AND business, and I consider purchases based on teachings from BOTH of those fields. Sometimes "buy the greenest thing!" isn't the greenest thing to do.

I went to my local Chevy dealer and also "bought" a Volt. They had a waiting list with one person on it (I was number two) written on the front cover of a manilla folder. Ironically enough, the manilla folder was for the Camaro waiting list!

I put down a $1,000 fully refundable deposit. I made sure the sales manager wrote in big letters on the receipt "Fully refundable at any time."

Tom

PS. I'm an engineer too and there is no way I'm going to get involved the the "discussion" going on in this thread. :)

It's called economics. We each evaluate purchases in our own way... some people are high on the "gotta have it, buy it NOW!" scale, others tend to wait-and-see, look for a bargain, buy used or skip it altogether.

I'm afraid you ARE talking about an emotional purchase decision at this point... the sound-reasoning approach on the save-the-planet front also takes into account the current vehicle. Granted, someone could POSSIBLY be driving a '92 Suburban and putting down their earnest money to get in line for a someday Volt, but that's not the likely scenario. I have an '05 Subaru, reasonably low miles, impeccably well-maintained, and I don't drive a lot of miles these days. Barring a traffic accident, my Legacy will just be hitting its stride in '10, with the likelihood of several more years of low-maintenance motoring. It would frankly be a poor decision from an environmental AND economic standpoint for me to do the "gotta have it" thing.

I'm worse than an engineer... I have training in engineering AND business, and I consider purchases based on teachings from BOTH of those fields. Sometimes "buy the greenest thing!" isn't the greenest thing to do.Thank you. I agree with most all of what you have said, INCLUDING that any so-called "green" purchase might in fact be considered a purchase of emotion as well (albeit slightly different emotions from the "gotta have its" or the "me firsts" LOL) So some very good points Gearhead (you must really love my avatar!) and within Altazi's rebuttal as well, and again my apologies for the blatant "knee-jerk" and my thanks for the [/flamethower] :D

On a thread related note, for those that might be considering putting down cash with their local Chevy dealer. Keep in mind that there is a strong possibility that not ALL Chevy dealers will be selling the Volt. Such is already the case for the 2-mode hybrids. So perhaps it would be wise to ASK if they are at least a "hybrid dealer" and are authorized by the mothership to sell and service the 2-mode Tahoe? If that is the case they just might be more likely to receive an early Volt- as their workforce would already be trained in hybrid operational characteristics,electrical motor drive systems, and HV safety etc. etc. New 2-mode dealers can't even take delivery of a 2-mode until they meet extensive training requirements in sales, parts and service.

I also noticed when I used the "Build your own Tahoe" feature on the Chevy web-site
http://www.chevrolet.com/byo/build.cv?year=2008&make=Chevrolet&makeId=001&model=homepage&modelId=null (http://www.chevrolet.com/byo/build.cv?year=2008&make=Chevrolet&makeId=001&model=homepage&modelId=null)
it suggested different dealers when I specified a hybrid Tahoe vs. a regular Tahoe within my zip-code area so...

A Google search found me a separate listing of Canadian GM Hybrid dealers here:
http://www.gm.ca/static/english/fleet/why/fuel_dealers_en_CA.html (http://www.gm.ca/static/english/fleet/why/fuel_dealers_en_CA.html)

I dunno, I guess I would be cautious about dropping down a wad of cash to a dealer that isn't even authorized to sell and service a 2-Mode hybrid. Chances are they won't be selling the Volt either! But YMMV!!
WopOnTour

A Google search found me a separate listing of Canadian GM Hybrid dealers here:
http://www.gm.ca/static/english/fleet/why/fuel_dealers_en_CA.html (http://www.gm.ca/static/english/fleet/why/fuel_dealers_en_CA.html)

I dunno, I guess I would be cautious about dropping down a wad of cash to a dealer that isn't even authorized to sell and service a 2-Mode hybrid. Chances are they won't be selling the Volt either! But YMMV!!
WopOnTour

Woohoo! My money is with an acredited dealership!

Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions. The term is generally applied to behavior within civil governments, but politics has been observed in all human group interactions, including corporate, academic, and religious institutions.
====================
seandalton
California DUI (http://www.legalx.net)

Well, I'm # 41,900-something on "the list." I don't care if I'm the first on my block to have one, as long as I get the tax credit. :)

No money out of my pocket...yet.

I found an interesting quote relating to this on the main page of this site:




Q: When will dealers be able to order Volts?, will it be before November 2010?

A: When we start into marketing and dealer allocation its really outside my swimlane. Typically there will be a dealer certification process, not every Chevy dealer will be able to sell a Volt. They’ll have to go through certification and make sure they’ve invested in their repair and service areas, trained their organization and so on.

That supports the earlier argument that we should wait and see which dealers can actually sell the car before we put any money down!

I found an interesting quote relating to this on the main page of this site:



That supports the earlier argument that we should wait and see which dealers can actually sell the car before we put any money down!True, but as previously mentioned a pecking order of "electrified" Chevy dealerships has already commenced due to the BAS and 2-mode hybrids. A Chevy dealership certified for sales & service of the 2-mode has been required to purchase various high-voltage tools and equipment as well as train their technicians on the HV safety aspects, and diagnosis. So wait if you want but I've put my deposit down with a large dealership that fall in this category as the odds are very good IMO. The worst that could happen is I don't get a Volt and the dealer gives me my dip back.
WOT

For those of you who have put down deposits for the sale of Volts is that money in any way generating any sort of return while you sit and wait for a Volt? I know the sums of money involved are not large but would it not be better to have the money working for you?

Is the deposit refundable should the dealership go bankrupt or out of business? It's been happening to more and more dealerships so is your money protected by any means?

For those of you who have put down deposits for the sale of Volts is that money in any way generating any sort of return while you sit and wait for a Volt?I

I'm sure it is - for the dealers! ROFL!!! :rolleyes: